If there is one issue that can unite people of all political persuasions, it is their strong dislike of the Common Core which has taken to American schools like locust to a new crop of wheat. Most of the discontent focuses on how problems are presented to students, or how teachers are affected in the way they are able to present material. These are both very real concerns, however, I don't believe that either one of them gets to the heart of the matter.
The biggest problem I have with Common Core is its top down philosophy, and the notion that one size fits all as far as education goes. The thought process at the beginning (I hope) was likely a good one- all students should have the same opportunity to learn exactly the same material, regardless of where they went to school.
If only the architects of Common Core had took the time to read Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron (disclaimer: I have not. I have, however, watched the 1995 Showtime movie of the same name, starring Sean Astin. I feel this is nearly the same thing.), they might have realized the flaw in that line of thinking.
Human beings are not equal, in any way, manner, or form. It's what makes the world a great place to live. For instance- I have absolutely no musical ability whatsoever, I couldn't tell you the difference between a C sharp and an A minor (nor am I astute enough to know if that is even something real.) Somehow I've stumbled through life without this ability, while millions around me are much more gifted. Here's what's great about that- I absolutely love listening to those talented musicians perform. There are few things in the world to me as listening to a person/band who knows what they are doing.
If in a Harrison Bergeron type world, those talented musicians were all relegated to simply average, would my enjoyment of their performance increase because they were more like me? I shouldn't think so, but that is the underlying philosophy behind Common Core, or at least that's how it's appeared as I've made my way through pedagogical process to become a licensed teacher.
The bigger problem with Common Core past its seeming desire to make everyone 'equal', is that it further erodes local control over what is taught in individual schools. With the top down (or "factory") method of education, parents, teachers, principals, and other educators are cut out of the decision-making process. Instead, what they are left in charge of is how to implement the Common Core so that they are able to receive the federal funding that comes along with it. Without that money, the schools would be even less able to provide a 'quality' education than they currently are able to do.
The problem that I've noticed with this mentality, however, is that it causes educators to feel like they have less control over what they are teaching, because along with Common Core comes a plethora of mandated tests that are extremely important. Way more important than allowing students the opportunity to actually study something in depth, for instance. Or learn how to critically think.
Sure, those in charge will tell you that is exactly what students are learning. I'm here to tell you that's a lie. What students are learning is how to manage the tests that they need to pass, but they aren't actually learning material. They are engaged in learning "knowledge" which is the lowest form of learning that can transpire. Sure, they might be able to tell you that Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, that Columbus set sail in 1492, or Sir Isaac Newton 'discovered' gravity, but more often than not, that will be the extent of student 'learning'.
They are not able to engage in discussions that might point to the significance of any of those events, nor the ramifications that transpired as a result. They'll simply know whether to circle "A", "B", "C", or "D" on their state-sponsored, high stakes test. Which is an important skill in this moment, but not something that helps them prepare for their future.
What it will take to defeat Common Core (and yes, it is an enemy that must be defeated) is a united front between parents and educators. They must demand that education is returned to the local level, and then they must work together to return the focus to student learning. In the short term, there will be hiccups. Educators may need to figure out ways of getting by with less money. This will not be pleasant, but it may be necessary.
Whether parents or educators have the wherewithal to make such a stand will determine whether or not Common Core is beat back. There are always decisions to be made. The easy one is to simply roll with the status quo, despite the fact that there is no proven benefit to it. The right choice, though more difficult, will help set our nation back on track, and allow students to reach their full potential, wherever they are strongest.
